SHEFFIELD UNITED: ‘We must do even better’ says Nick Blackman

Penalty prize: Leading scorer Nick Blackman against Scunthorpe - but he is still far from happy with his return in United colours.

James Shield
Sheffield United

Published:07:00Friday 28 December 2012

NICK Blackman has credited an insatiable appetite for success as the catalyst behind Sheffield United’s climb to the top of the League One table.

But far from being satisfied with their performances this season, the striker revealed Danny Wilson’s side will enter tomorrow’s meeting with Hartlepool disappointed not to have put clear red and white water between themselves and the chasing pack.

“We’re never happy with what we’ve got,” Blackman said. “We always believe we can do better and that’s exactly what we’ll be aiming to do between now and the end of the campaign.

“When you are in football you are always going to get criticism. But nobody could criticise us more than we criticise ourselves.

“If anyone isn’t hitting the required standards then the rest of the lads will tell them in no uncertain terms.

“Don’t get me wrong. We all get on and there’s a great atmosphere amongst us behind the scenes. But we all want to do well and that’s why we won’t tolerate any slacking off. Whatever else happens, that definitely won’t.”

“We’ve got some great characters there,” he added. “People like Macca (Tony McMahon) and Kits (Dave Kitson) are always having a laugh and a joke but they also keep everyone on their toes.”

Blackman’s comments about United’s dressing room chemistry confirms why Wilson yesterday insisted his players are “happy to embrace” the air of expectation which envelops Bramall Lane. The former Blackburn Rovers youngster scored his 12th goal in 27 appearances during Wednesday’s victory over Scunthorpe and, with doubts surrounding Shaun Miller’s involvement, could revert to a central role against opponents propping-up the rest of the division.